Toy Story 5 takes aim at creepy AI toys: ‘I’m always listening’
Addictive, AI-enabled tablets are taking over, and also, Woody is balding in the new Toy Story movie, out June 19.
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Prop bet
Substack has updated its partnership with betting platform Polymarket, “introducing native tools that make it easier to share, discuss, and debate prediction market data directly on Substack.” Additionally, Polymarket will effectively pay “a cohort of creators,” including Matt Yglesias, to use its data though the newsletter platform’s pilot sponsorships program. This is just the latest […]
Anker’s Prime Power Bank can quickly charge three devices, and it’s down to $80
Juggling multiple chargers for your gadgets while you’re commuting, working from a cafe, or traveling can get heavy (and pricey!) fast, which is why today’s deal on the Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 200W) is worth checking out. It can quickly charge three devices at once — including laptops — and it’s down to just […]
Meta’s metaverse leaves virtual reality
Meta said it’s shifting focus for Horizons Worlds to be “almost exclusively mobile” and that it will separate its Quest VR platform from the virtual world.
Lucid Motors slashes 12% of its workforce as it seeks profitability
The layoffs affect hundreds of full-time workers in the US, according to an internal memo obtained by TechCrunch.
AI’s promise to indie filmmakers: faster, cheaper, lonelier
AI expands access to filmmaking for resource-constrained creators. But as efficiency becomes the industry’s north star, creativity risks being overwhelmed by a deluge of low-effort, AI-generated content.
Prepare for pitch battle: Startup Battlefield 200 nominations are open
Nominations for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 are open. Pitch at Disrupt 2026 in October in front of top VCs and the full TechCrunch audience. Nominate your startup or for one that’s deserving.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold restock sold out in minutes
Samsung unleashed a new batch of Galaxy Z TriFold units after selling out initial stock of the behemoth foldable that turns into a 10-inch tablet. It took less than ten minutes to sell through today’s supply, which either speaks to the phone’s surprising popularity or, rather, just how few of them the company is making. […]
Tamron’s new dongle lets you wirelessly control your lens from your phone
Tamron has announced a new USB-C dongle that wirelessly connects compatible lenses to mobile devices and laptops so they can be customized and controlled remotely. It works with 16 of the company’s lenses to start. The $50 Tamron-Link dongle is available now, and while its Bluetooth range is limited to just over 16-feet, it’s one […]
Peak XV raises $1.3B, doubles down on AI as global VC rivalry in India heats up
Peak XV says most of its new capital will target India as the firm prioritizes AI, fintech and cross-border bets while navigating recent partner departures.